The impact Davis & Elkins College President Chris A. Wood and Elkins-Randolph County Chamber Executive Director Lisa Messinger Wood continue to make on the local community was recognized with a special honor presented by their peers. At the recent annual Chamber banquet, they received the Citizens of the Year Award.
The Chamber’s award for Citizen of the Year is presented to Randolph County residents who have served the community through acts of heroism, humanitarianism, charity or other outstanding service. Community members are asked to submit nominations for award recipients and the final selection is made by a Chamber awards committee.
The Woods made Elkins their home in 2016 when Chris was named the 15th president of Davis & Elkins College. Soon after, Lisa began working with community organizations and was hired as executive director of the Chamber in 2018.
In making the award presentation, Matt Osborne, senior vice president and chief credit officer of Citizens Bank of West Virginia, said that it’s common to see both Woods working to promote the College and the community within Randolph County and beyond.
“Because of his leadership, D&E has partnered with community organizations and businesses,” Osborne said. “These two citizens have visited College friends and alumni across the country, promoting both the school and the community. They have worked to help make others’ dreams for the campus a reality, and to support and promote a vibrant community for our citizens.”
With a common belief of “what’s good for the College is good for the community, and vice versa,” the Woods have fostered relationships that benefit the greater good of all.
“Lisa and I are both humbled and honored to be the recipients of this recognition from the Chamber,” Chris Wood said. “Elkins and Davis & Elkins are both our home and our passion. We consider it a blessing to work for the betterment of our community and the transformation of students’ lives.”
“Elkins and Randolph County have profoundly impacted our lives and the lives of our family in the short six years that we’ve lived here,” Lisa Wood added. “Chris and I can only hope that we, in turn, have impacted the College and our community half as much.”
The dinner was the first community event to take place in the newly renovated $6.7 million Myles Center for the Arts on the College campus. Trustee Chair Emerita June Myles, recipient of the 2020 Tom Williams Award of Distinction, was recognized for her contributions to the College and community. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant civic, charitable and community contributions.
President Chris A. Wood, left, and First Lady Lisa Wood received the Citizens of the Year award sponsored by Citizens Bank of West Virginia and presented by Matt Osborne, right.
